'A giant first step': Edmonton soccer super fan already excited for 2026 World Cup
An Edmonton fan who travelled more than 11,000 kilometres to watch Canada play in person remains in high spirits, despite the elimination of the national men's soccer team from the World Cup.
Larry Zima watched Canada's three group-stage matches in Qatar. He was electrified to watch the first two goals in Canadian soccer history at the World Cup, first Alphonso Davies then Sam Adekugbe's sharp cross in Thursday's match with Morocco.
"Both our goals scored at the World Cup were scored by Albertans," Zima said. "They both played in the Alberta Soccer Association."
Zima says the trip to Qatar was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"I had never hugged so many strangers," he said with a laugh. "Fans from everywhere are so friendly, so open, so happy that Canada is here."
Larry Zima enjoys World Cup action in Qatar (Supplied).
While there was some disappointment in ending Canada's World Cup run with no wins, Zima said the groundwork had been laid for a strong comeback next time.
"The result wasn't what we wanted," he told CTV News Edmonton. "But the boys competed hard."
"We showed we could compete," he added. "It will only help improve us."
- Team Canada reflects on early exit from World Cup
- John Herdman wants to remain as Canada coach through 2026
He's excited to see what another four years of training and competing for the men's squad will do for them when the next World Cup rolls around in 2026.
"Four years from now, we aren't going to be so devastated," Zima predicted. "We're into an exciting cycle for the program."
"(This World Cup) it's a giant step," he added. "It's exciting to know we are on that cusp, that we are that close to moving to the next level."
Fans taking in the action in Edmonton at The Pint agreed.
"It's been so inspirational to see the Canadian men's team come out and play such a strong game," said Silvia Sorensen.
"There's kids out there that are watching this and they want to be the next star to play for Canada," added Jason Sudyk. "I think it's going to be huge."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.